Chennai, May 28: AIADMK MP Dhanapal has called for a thorough investigation by the CBI into the resignations of four party MLAs. These legislators later joined the ruling party, Tamilga Vetrikazhagam (TVK). Dhanapal alleged that significant financial transactions may be behind these defections.
In a post on the social media platform X, Dhanapal claimed that the TVK government lacked an independent majority. The sudden resignations of the four MLAs immediately after the new government took office have raised serious suspicions.
He accused the government of possible large-scale monetary exchanges related to the defections. Dhanapal urged the central government to order a CBI investigation to protect democracy. He also requested the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to closely monitor the developments.
This statement comes at a time when two opposing factions within the AIADMK are reportedly moving towards reconciliation after weeks of internal turmoil, defections, and political uncertainty.
Party sources indicate that leaders from both factions are expected to submit a letter to Speaker JCD Prabhakar, announcing their withdrawal of support for the ruling TVK government during the confidence vote.
This move is anticipated to significantly alter the opposition’s position in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
The crisis following the elections had split the AIADMK into two main factions. One faction, led by senior leader C.V. Shanmugam, initially garnered support from 25 MLAs. Meanwhile, the faction led by former Chief Minister and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) had the backing of 22 MLAs.
In recent weeks, the Shanmugam faction has weakened considerably. Four MLAs—K. Maragatham Kumaravel, P. Sathiyabama, S. Jayakumar, and Dr. C. Isaki Subbiah—resigned from the party and subsequently joined the ruling TVK.
Additionally, six MLAs, including P. Hari, S.M. Sukumar, D. Jayashankar, N.S.N. Natarajan, K. Mohan, and P. Balakrishna Reddy, returned to the EPS camp, reducing the opposing faction’s strength to just 15 MLAs.
Amid growing concerns over the party’s declining position, several senior AIADMK leaders met with EPS at his residence on Greenways Road in Chennai to discuss potential reconciliation.
Sources reveal that the Shanmugam faction initially demanded the restoration of party positions and the formation of a high-level coordination committee for collective decision-making within the party.
However, reports suggest that EPS rejected both demands, instead urging the opposing faction to withdraw complaints lodged against party leadership before the Speaker.
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